Need to talk? Call 1800 882 436.
It's a free call with a maternal child health nurse. *call charges may apply from your mobile

Is it an emergency? Dial 000
If you need urgent medical help, call triple zero immediately.

beginning of content

Starting Blocks

Starting Blocks.gov.au is the national government website providing parents with information about early childhood education and outside school hours care to help them make the best choice for their child and family.

It is an initiative of the Australian Children's Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA). ACECQA is an independent national authority that assists governments in implementing the National Quality Framework for early childhood education and care.

Vision and mission

Choosing the right early childhood education and care service is one of the most important decisions families make.

StartingBlocks.gov.au is your first step into early childhood education and outside school hours care. Visit Australia's free government website for families and communities to find and compare services by quality ratings, fees, vacancies and inclusions.

How StartingBlocks.gov.au can help

StartingBlocks.gov.au is a go-to website for families who want information on starting early childhood education, family day care, preschool or outside school hours care.

Visit the website to:

  • find quality early childhood education and care services and learn about their quality ratings
  • compare service quality, safety, fees, and vacancies
  • calculate your Child Care Subsidy (CCS)
  • understand what to expect when starting at an early learning, preschool or outside school hours care service
  • find out what can be done at home to encourage your child’s learning and development.

Recommended links

This information was originally published on healthdirect - Starting Blocks.

Last reviewed: October 2025

Information from this partner

Found 13 results

About children watching TV | StartingBlocks.gov.au

In this article, StartingBlocks.gov.au offers information to help you decide on screen time, and some tips you may want to consider for healthier viewing.

Read more on Starting Blocks website

Tips on raising a multilingual child | StartingBlocks.gov.au

There are many benefits to speaking to your child in a language other than English at home. Learn some tips on raising a bilingual or multilingual child.

Read more on Starting Blocks website

Illness in early learning services | StartingBlocks.gov.au

Get the facts on managing illness in early learning and child care. Quality standards require services to put specific strategies into action.

Read more on Starting Blocks website

How to sleep baby safely | StartingBlocks.gov.au

A guide on how to sleep your baby in a safe way that reduces the risk of SIDS

Read more on Starting Blocks website

Parents’ guide to choosing a cot with StartingBlocks.gov.au | StartingBlocks.gov.au

What parents should look out for when choosing a cot for their new baby.

Read more on Starting Blocks website

Guide to toilet training with StartingBlocks.gov.au | StartingBlocks.gov.au

An information sheet for parents that answers some of the basic questions about toilet training and tips on how educators can support you.

Read more on Starting Blocks website

Child's development 8 to 12 months | StartingBlocks.gov.au

Learn about the developmental milestones to observe for your 8 to 12 month old child.

Read more on Starting Blocks website

Child's development 3 to 5 years | StartingBlocks.gov.au

Learn about the developmental milestones to observe for your 3 to 5 year old child.

Read more on Starting Blocks website

Child's development 2 to 3 years | StartingBlocks.gov.au

Learn about the developmental milestones to observe for your 2 to 3 year old child.

Read more on Starting Blocks website

Child's development 1 to 2 years | StartingBlocks.gov.au

Learn about the developmental milestones to observe for your 1 to 2 year old child.

Read more on Starting Blocks website

Call us and speak to a Maternal Child Health Nurse for personal advice and guidance.

Need further advice or guidance from our maternal child health nurses?

Healthdirect Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and their continuing connection to land, sea and community. We pay our respects to the Traditional Owners and to Elders both past and present.

This information is for your general information and use only and is not intended to be used as medical advice and should not be used to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any medical condition, nor should it be used for therapeutic purposes.

The information is not a substitute for independent professional advice and should not be used as an alternative to professional health care. If you have a particular medical problem, please consult a healthcare professional.

Except as permitted under the Copyright Act 1968, this publication or any part of it may not be reproduced, altered, adapted, stored and/or distributed in any form or by any means without the prior written permission of Healthdirect Australia.